Jean Hilton Messner

Jean Hilton Messner, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 2, 2025, with her family by her side.
A celebration of life will be held April 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive guests immediately following the service. A private committal will be held prior to the service in Greenwood Cemetery.
Jean was born on April 17, 1928, in New Bern, North Carolina, to Clayton Hilton and Thelma Bryan Hilton. Her family later moved to Greenville, where she met her loving husband, Robert Stanley "Bob" Messner. Jean and Bob shared a long and fulfilling life together.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Thelma, as well as her beloved husband, Bob.
She is survived by her three loving daughters, Terry Miller and husband Whitney, Pam Cline and husband Wade, and Leigh Sypawka and husband William; grandchildren: Clayton Miller and wife Megan, Eric Miller and wife Jessica, Melissa Duffy and husband Dan, Sterling Pryor and husband Bryson, Blake Hudson and husband Tyler, Travis Albea and wife Jessica, Cody Albea and wife Julia, Lyda Madigan and husband Jack, Mary Lisa Sypawka and fiancé Jacob Carter; and great-grandchildren, Austin Tripp, CJ and Emma Miller, Gage Toms, McKinley and Cannon Miller, Fisher, Charlee, and Dawsyn Duffy, Riley and Bodhi Albea, Brooks Pryor, James and Claire Hudson, Harper and Collins Albea.
Jean was a faithful follower of Jesus, and her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and loved to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was loved by many. She was especially loved by her sweet "Bayview Family", whom she cherished and loved deeply. In fact, she was affectionately known as the "Queen of Bayview" for many years. She was also loved by her neighbors and childhood friends who became more like family as the years passed by.
We would like to thank all our friends and family who were there for her when she was in need. A special thank you to Peggy Godly and Silver Care, LLC who helped us care for her. And an extra special thank you to Terri Smethers, who went above and beyond to care for our mother. She loved you.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, 3520 Tupper Drive, Greenville, NC 27834. Mother's love of animals inspired us all.